This post is about six months late in being written. I'm not sure exactly why except that I think it has to do with my being unsure that I could accurately describe this book.
One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You are by Ann Voskamp was given to me by a friend who knew I would love it. I didn't know what to think at first. Ann's style of writing is unique and very effective. She uses her pen the way an artist uses a paintbrush and the result hits you deep in the heart.
And a picture of one of my recent "gifts". I walked into Kroger the other day and saw in the floral case a vase of 12 long stem white roses -- the arrangement was quite stunning, and so was the price ($30 -- which I guess might actually be good value). I enjoyed looking and went about my shopping but paused in front of the checkout to check the price of the marked down flowers. What??!!! A bouquet of long stem white roses for only $1.99??!!! Well, that was coming home with me!!! What a special surprise it was!
One Thousand Gifts describes the deep pain and struggle Ann had from her childhood to adulthood because of the tragic death of her little sister. The main focus of the book is how she went from hurt to healing, and the path was through thankfulness. The tool she used to grow in thankfulness was to make a list of every little gift God gave her throughout the day: a rose blooming in the garden, a letter from a friend, wind rustling the curtains....
Ann also deals with the tough questions such as, how do we thank God for seemingly bad things that happen to us. I was so glad that she didn't ignore this question because it is something that you must deal with in difficult times.
In the end, I loved, loved, loved the book and have recommended it to many people. I started my own list of "gifts", though I'm not as regular as Ann is. I'm only up to #165.
You can read Ann's blog here at A Holy Experience.
And a picture of one of my recent "gifts". I walked into Kroger the other day and saw in the floral case a vase of 12 long stem white roses -- the arrangement was quite stunning, and so was the price ($30 -- which I guess might actually be good value). I enjoyed looking and went about my shopping but paused in front of the checkout to check the price of the marked down flowers. What??!!! A bouquet of long stem white roses for only $1.99??!!! Well, that was coming home with me!!! What a special surprise it was!
5 comments:
I know what you mean about the book. At first I found it hard to read (it is necessary, though, to understand her pain).
But by the time I finished it, I really loved it.
I have yet to start my list. I have a pretty notebook waiting to be used for... something. Perhaps that? :)
I came up with my own version of this (to some extent) during college. Except I called them "red jello moments". I would ask the girls in my hall to give me 3 "red jellos" from the day - those moments in one's day that made you smile and glad to be alive. The little things that once you added them up, made it seem like your rotten day actually was pretty good after all. :)
I'm glad you wrote about this book. I had heard of it before and forgotten to put it on my list. Looks like it is really good. And how awesome about the flowers! :)
I love those unexpected gifts from the Father. I have read the book as well ..not quite finished. I love how she really sees God in the details!
I was most inspired!
I had started a list too in the form of a blog but when I became too lax in posting. .I made it private. Maybe one of these days I'll get organized here.
Wow, what a deal! That bouquet is beautiful!
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